Alleged robber tells clerk he’s ‘just joking’

GRANITE CITY — A Granite City man was arrested Tuesday for attempted aggravated robbery, after telling a clerk and customers at the targeted business he was, “just joking.”

According to a release from Madison County Sheriff John Lakin, on Tuesday at approximately 5:54 p.m., the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to Curly’s Corner Market, 5527 Maryville Rd., rural Granite City, in reference to a possible attempted robbery.

Deputies met with the store’s clerk, who told them an unknown subject, later identified as 31-year-old Eric Brown, approached the checkout counter, asking a female employee who owned a particular vehicle that was parked on the parking lot of the business. The clerk told the subject that the vehicle belonged to another employee.

Brown then allegedly demanded the keys to the car and the money out of the register. The clerk told the subject that she couldn’t open the register. At that point the subject leaned against the counter, placing his hand near his pocket and reportedly stated, “Do you think this is a joke?,” followed by, “Do you want to get shot?”

As the event escalated, the clerk said several customers entered the business. As the customers entered the business, the subject changed his demeanor and stated, “I’m just joking.” Brown then attempted to purchase an alcoholic beverage with a credit card, which was declined. The subject then left without further incident, walking towards Sunny Shores Trailer Park.

The responding deputies developed information which led them to Brown’s residence. Deputies were advised Brown matched the description of the suspect, and had recently moved into the area. Deputies located Brown inside the home and determined he was in fact the suspect in this incident. Deputies took Brown into custody and located a black pellet handgun in his pants pocket.

The felony warrant and information was issued by Judge Neil Schroeder, who set Brown’s bond at $80,000.00. Brown remained in the custody of the Madison County Jail Wednesday.